接受 (jiē shòu) is a transitive verb meaning 'to accept' — to willingly receive, agree to, or acknowledge something offered, proposed, or imposed. It combines 接 (jiē), meaning 'to receive' or 'to meet', and 受 (shòu), meaning 'to receive' or 'to undergo'. Together, they emphasize conscious, willing reception — not just physical taking, but mental or emotional agreement. It’s commonly used for accepting invitations, advice, responsibilities, criticism, gifts, or new realities.

This word carries a neutral-to-positive connotation when used with good things (e.g., an offer or compliment), but can also express resignation or reluctant acknowledgment in difficult contexts (e.g., accepting bad news). It often appears after subjects like 我、他、公司, and requires a direct object — you cannot say *他接受 without specifying what is accepted. Unlike the more casual 收下 (shōu xià), 接受 is formal and abstract-focused, rarely used for simple physical receipt of small items.